Album Review

Good straight-ahead set featuring often-exciting pianist Derek Smith. He does both standards and originals, and although there's nothing particularly exciting on either the solo or accompaniment end, it's well done and tightly produced.

Biography

Born: 17 August 1931 in London, England

Genre: Jazz

Years Active: '50s, '60s, '70s, '80s, '90s, '00s

A jazz pianist noted for his versatility and elegance, Derek Smith was born August 17, 1931, in London, England. After taking up the piano in early childhood, he began his professional career at the age of just 14, and by the early '50s was a staple on the U.K. jazz scene, regularly performing with the likes of Kenny Graham, John Dankworth, and Kenny Baker. In the mid-'50s, Smith relocated to New York City, where he became a session musician in much demand by studio orchestras and other recording...